Culinary Arts at Southeast Community College Area

Southeast Community College's culinary certificate produces graduates earning $36,734 their first year—nearly 70% more than the typical culinary certificate nationally. That's a striking difference in a field where many programs leave graduates struggling at $21,000 or less. The higher debt load ($19,146 versus $11,634 nationally) reflects this premium positioning, but with debt at just half of first-year earnings, graduates face manageable repayment relative to their income.

The state context adds an important wrinkle: this is one of only four culinary programs in Nebraska, and it sits at the median for both earnings and debt in-state. While the program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, that 60th percentile state ranking suggests Nebraska's culinary market may simply pay better than most states, rather than this program being uniquely excellent. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year.

For parents weighing this program, the math works far better than most culinary certificates. Your child would graduate with reasonable debt and earn more immediately than three-quarters of culinary certificate holders nationwide. Just understand you're paying a Nebraska premium, and the small graduating class means the program's outcomes could look different for your student's cohort.